NY Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks leads Vespers service ahead of Friday's Installation Mass
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Archbishop-designate Ronald Hicks led a Vespers service on Thursday night, as he begins the process of taking over the Archdiocese of New York.
Vespers, or evening prayer in Catholicism, was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral. It serves as a daily offering of thanks, and offered a moment of reflection and preparation ahead of Friday's Installation Mass, which will formally mark the beginning of Hicks' leadership of the Archdiocese of New York.
During his first homily, Hicks brought some levity to the cathedral.
"So many people have been asking me, 'so, how do you feel?' 'How ya feeling?' And you know what the curious thing is - many people don't even allow me to give an answer," Hicks said. "'Do you feel happy? Do you feel unsure? Do you feel peaceful? Do you feel blessed?' When I finally answer them, I simply say 'yes.'"
Ahead of the service, Hicks spoke publicly to a small crowd of reporters at a news conference as he prepares for two major days marking the change in leadership.
Before answering some questions, the 58-year-old made it clear that Thursday's Vespers would be about prayer and reflection.
During his homily Friday, he'll highlight the overall vision that will guide him forward -- a vision based in gratitude and the mission of the church.
"You are going to notice that I am going to reference a number of times Pope Leo the 14th," Hicks said. "I will strive always to be obedient and respectful to him and also collaborate with his vision."
Bishop Hicks also spoke in Spanish during the news conference and pointed out his years of service in Central America.
That time in El Salvador cultivated a keen understanding of Latino culture and will prove helpful in his ministry not just to immigrants but to everyone.
"One of my focuses will be evangelization, how do we be actually be disciples, who do we make disciples," Hicks said. "People who have been a part of the church but maybe not so much...How do we re-engage."
Hicks comes from the Diocese of Joliet, Illinois, a much smaller diocese.
"And I think the unique thing about New York is exactly what you said, is that this is even larger than Chicago, and at the same time, we all know that New York is not just New York, but there's something that is very the world is gathered here," Hicks said. "It's National. It's International. What goes on here has an effect. So I'm conscientious of that."
Eyewitness News met a priest from Hicks' diocese in Joliet, who traveled to see his Installation Mass.
Father Mark Jurzyk says he feels sad to lose Bishop Hicks from his diocese in Joliet, but he knows it's the right move, and traveled to New York see it.
"He's well prepared for new york," Father Jurzyk said.
When asked which of Hicks' qualities stand out in making him the best candidate to lead the New York Archdiocese, Jurzyk said, "the faith."
Friday's Installation Mass will begin with Hicks arriving at St. Patrick's Cathedral for the 2 p.m. mass and knocking on the doors.
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, whom Hicks will succeed, will greet the archbishop-designate, who will be presented with a crucifix. A letter from the pope will read, appointing Hicks and mass will continue as normal.
Dolan submitted his resignation last year after turning 75, as required under church law.
The Archdiocese of New York serves more than two million Catholics across the region.
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